Dark Opal

Dark opal is a popular garden herb that flowers during late summer. It is often surrounded by bees, butterflies, and scorpions.
It is also considered a sacred plant, specifically by followers of Gorav, Lilen, Allyce, and to a lesser extent Eris and Vidis. Hence, it was targeted by demons during their invasion of Dratora.
Dark opal is associated with balance, love, and fortune. Supposedly, the untainted souls of the virtuous smell like dark opal.

Properties

Material Characteristics

A perennial, 30cm-1m tall, bush with pink flowers.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Level 1 Properties

Calm (aura)
Fortify luck (aura)
Bind spirits (aura)
Omen (wilts in the hand of an impure or tainted person) (touch)
Prevent religious magic (1d4 hrs, only if plant is damaged)

Level 2 Properties

Restore wound levels (consume)
Banish undead (incense)
Omen (speaks to confirm if the name of a witch is spoken) (incense)

Level 3 Properties

Cure poisoning
Foresight
Summon brain scorpions

Level 5 Properties

Fortify courage

Level 6 Properties

Restore EP
Calm
Fortify appearance
Resist disease

Level U Properties

Fortify balance
Fortify seduction
Fortify constitution

Level S Properties

Cure poisoning (10 required for Basilisk's Venom Antidote)
Banish undead (6 required for Funeral Lotion)
Immunity to animation (6 required for Funeral Lotion)
Repel spirits (6 required for Funeral Lotion)
Resist disease (1 required for Divine Soap)
Commune with spirits (1 required for Divine Soap)
Commune with deities (1 required for Divine Soap)

Reaction Conditions

The alchemical effects of dark opal are empowered when in contact with horse manure, a corpse, or an individual plagued with hatred. It is also empowered in the presence of green candles.

Compounds

• Adrenal tea (level 5)
• Opal oil (level 6)
• Suitor's Elixir (level U)
• Basilisk's Venom Antidote (level S)
• Funeral Lotion (level S)
• Divine Soap (level S)

Geology & Geography

Dark opal grows naturally in dry environments with a lot of exposure to sun, ranging from tropical to temperate regions, but its range was extended by cultivation within homes and gardens by the people of Dratora. It no longer grows wild after persecution by demons and infernalists, but its prevalence was preserved by Dratoran citizens growing it in their homes and gardens across the world. Its growth overlaps heavily with malevolence, capsicum, and joy of the mountain plants, but it is inhibited by bitter grace and sea dew.

History & Usage

History

During the first demonic invasion of Dratora and its aftermath, dark opal plants were targeted and destroyed by demons. Hence, the tradition has developed of swearing whilst sewing the seeds to distract and discourage demons from trying to tamper with the plant as it grows. In places heavily ravaged by demons, a tirade of abusing language is known as "sowing dark opals".

Everyday use

Dark opal is popularly cultivated as a garden or indoor herb by the people of Dratora. Whilst most common folk of Dratora cannot unlock dark opal's more specific alchemical properties, the leaves do serve as a culinary addition to salads, soups, and sauces. Similarly, the seeds can be eaten or added to dough to flavour the resulting loaf.
Single individuals ready to begin courting display dark opal on their windowsills.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Funerary wreaths of dark opal are buried or burnt to help guide the souls of the departed to the Mortura. Contrastingly, it is a common practise, particularly in settlements where dark opal is considered sacred, to propose with a potted dark opal plant.
Dark opal is also a popular offering for a great many deities and spirits, considered a sacred plant by many. It is a popular choice of parting gift for one about to begin a journey as a means of protection.

Refinement

Leaves and seeds of dark opal are isolated and harvested for use. They are harvested prior to late summer, since the flavour of the leaves becomes bitter whilst the plant is flowering. The leaves are then either frozen used fresh. Dried dark opal leaves work just as well, but lose their distinctive flavour, making it hard for alchemists to verify its validity.

Manufacturing & Products

• Funerary wreath
• Royal-standard perfumes

Byproducts & Sideproducts

• Brain scorpion brew (failed level 5, successful at level 4)

Hazards

Dark opal can be an unforgiving plant. It is said to have the power to inhibit the connection between clerics and their patrons, or conjure scorpions in the brain, against those that abuse it.

Type

Biomaterial

Value

13 silver pennies

Rarity

Ωs-tier ingredient

Odor

Sweet and spicy

Taste

Sweet

Color

Pink flowers